Festivals of Hawaii

The Festive Islands of Aloha
Dive deep into Hawaii’s local community and you’ll discover a culture alive with “paniolo” (cowboys), Chinese dragons, fire dancers, ethnic festivals, culinary events, and an exotic collection of celebrations unique in all the world. Throughout the year, you’ll also encounter parades, street parties, food and craft fairs, concerts and family activities that honor every aspect of Hawaii’s diverse culture.

Annual Celebrations
Many of Hawaii’s most memorable celebrations occur like clockwork, every year. Some, like the Honolulu Marathon (December) and the Hawaii International Film Festival (Spring Showcase & October), draw visitors from around the globe. Others, like Oahu’s Prince Lot Hula Competition (July) or the Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival (October) on Kauai, and Molokai's Festivals of Aloha (October) are primarily local events that also have a strong allure for visitors who want to experience “authentic” Hawaiian culture.

Likewise, events that feature local foods and agricultural products attract both locals and visitors. The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival (September) on Oahu is a four-day gourmet getaway including romantic luncheons and beach-side barbeques. Kapalua Wine & Food Festival (June) on Maui is Hawaii's longest-running and most prestigious food and wine event and hosts world-class winemakers, master sommeliers and chefs for thousands of wine and food lovers. And the Big Island’s Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November) has something for everyone with nearly 50 events over 10 days.

To get you started, you’ll find a sampling of Hawaii festivals below.